The Effects of a Six-Week Weight Loss Program on Blood Lipid Profiles and Cardiovascular Health

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate blood lipid profiles and cardiovascular adaptations associated with a six-week weight loss program. Methods: Body weight, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting plasma glucose, resting blood pressure, and resting heart rate were assessed before and after the six-week program in 40 middle-aged sedentary women.Results: There was a significant decrease in body weight (P = 0.00), total cholesterol (P = 0.00), and LDL cholesterol (P = 0.01). HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting plasma glucose, resting heart rate and blood pressure did not change after the six- week weight loss programConclusions: This weight loss program was effective in decreasing body weight while reducing total and LDL cholesterol levels. However, this combination of diet, exercise, and water consumption was not effective in changing HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting plasma glucose levels, or resting heart rate and blood pressure. This study contributes to the necessity to create an exercise and diet program of optimal duration and intensity that is effective in weight loss while eliciting improved cardiovascular physiology.